It occurred to me during a nap today that the joy and delight of your children’s laughter never gets old.

Two of my grown sons were in the adjacent room doing something and whatever it was was making them laugh heartily. I just lay there half asleep, smiling.

Listening to them made me grin when I thought back to many foiled Sunday afternoon naps gone by, when the boys were little: hearing them upstairs–and also running up and down the stairs–laughing.

So much laughter which then was Infuriating. Today I repent of that disdain.

Tonight we had dinner with friends and their children and grandson. How special to watch this family laugh together and enjoy each others’ company. And of course each of us was transfixed by the baby’s laughter.

One of my favorite things about any of the boys getting together with us is the joy that comes from them enjoying one another.

My hope in life is not possessions or to live to be 100. Instead, my hope is that what years I do have to enjoy will always be spent hearing, with at least some regularity, the laughter of my children and someday–their children.

[Note: no rush for the latter!]